Conservation Group Sounds Alarm for Asian Species

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Some of Asia's most magnificent animals are at a crossroads and
may not survive if steps aren't taken to save them, an
environmental group announced today (Sept. 5) at the World
Conservation Congress in Jeju, Korea.

The Wildlife Conservation Society released a list of animals in
danger of extinction, including tigers, orangutans, Mekong giant
catfish, Asian
rhinos, Asian giant river turtles and Asian vultures.

The group said the problem could be solved by following the
"Three R's Approach": recognition, responsibility and
recovery.

A good example of a species saved from the brink is the
American bison. In this case the iconic animal's imminent
demise was recognized, responsibility for its survival was taken
by conservationists and politicians, and it has recovered
somewhat.

But if this approach isn't followed, Asian animals on the list
could go the way of the American passenger pigeon, and die off,
the WCS warned.

Each Asian species on the list faces daunting challenges from a
variety of factors including habitat loss and illegal hunting and
trade. Nevertheless, the group said it believed that Asian
governments have the ability and financial means to prevent these
species from going extinct.

The tiger may be going the way of the bison, since India has
taken some steps to protect it and encourage its recovery.
Orangutans face a bleaker future, with widespread conversion
of its habitat into palm oil plantations reducing wild
populations. Asian rhinos and giant river turtles face relentless
poaching in the illegal wildlife trade, while Asian vultures have
been nearly wiped out due to poisoning. Mekong giant catfish
numbers have also plummeted due to overfishing.

The WCS warned that time is running out. Two large mammal species
in Asia have recently gone extinct, including the kouprey, a type
of wild cattle once found in Southeast Asia, and the baiji, a
species of Chinese freshwater dolphin.